Meet the Cast of Solo: A Stars Wars Story

By Jonelle

Spending a day in Pasadena, California is always great, but spending a day in Pasadena with the stars of the new Star Wars film Solo: A Stars Wars Story, is even better. To say that I’m not mildly (or extremely) obsessed with the Star Wars universe would be a lie. So, when I was offered the chance to see a special screening of the film and to hear the cast speak in person, I jumped at the chance.

The press event was held at the Pasadena Convention Center. As soon as I checked in, I was ushered into the press conference where the other journalists were waiting patiently for the cast’s arrival. It didn’t take long. Below are the talent and filmmakers that were in attendance.

Alden Ehrenreich (“Han Solo”)

Donald Glover (“Lando Calrissian”)

Emilia Clarke (“Qi’ra”)

Paul Bettany (“Dryden Vos”)

Woody Harrelson (“Tobias Beckett”)

Thandie Newton (“Val”)

Joonas Suotamo (“Chewbacca”)

Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“L3-37”)

Director Ron Howard

Jon Kasdan / Screenplay

Lawrence Kasdan / Screenplay

Donald Glover; Alden Ehrenreich; Emilia Clarke; Joonas Suotamo; Paul Bettany; Ron Howard. Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Seeing this cast and crew in person, was amazing. When you go to these press junkets you only get a snippet from each actor. Director Ron Howard, discussed the fact that he was brought on later in the filming process and that he hoped he wouldn’t “F*** it up.” Trust me, he didn’t. He said that he loved telling the story and that he was going to, “treat this like it’s a true story.”

Everyone seemed to really have a strong connection and they looked like they had a good time working together. This is also evident in the movie. Thandie Newton told us a story about one of the days she brought her son to set. Being a two-year-old, he wasn’t yet a fan of the Star Wars universe. He walked up to R2-D2 and they ended up having a “conversation”. What a special encounter this was for him. Newton said, “this is the stuff that dreams are made of.” I would like to have a conversation with R2-D2.

I had the privilege of viewing the movie the evening before the press junket. I’m going to be honest and say that I read all of the rumors about how awful this movie was going to be. What an awful actor Alden Ehrenreich was. It turns out we should never believe rumors because those rumors were very wrong, Ehrenreich is amazing, with that smirk and mischievous, smoldering twinkle in his eye!!!!! He was also given approval by Harrison Ford, himself, who surprised Ehrenreich that morning to tell him how much he enjoyed the film. Ehrenreich does breathe new life into a character so many of us already love. Ehrenreich has a lot of heart, and so does Han Solo. Donald Glover said it best, “you get to see why Han is complicated. Maybe he did the wrong thing but for the right reasons, or maybe the right thing was for the wrong reasons.” Isn’t that the Han we are introduced to in A New Hope?

Once the press conference was over, we were taken back to the press room, where we could experience all things Star Wars; and we were given a swag bag with some pretty cool toys like; a Mighty Mugs, Bobble Heads, and a Hot Wheels. My personal favorite, the dice hanging in the Millennium Falcon, which now hang in my car, Milly (get it? Milly for Millennium Falcon).

Who can say that they’ve flown the Millennium Falcon with Chewie? I can, because I did, sort of. This was probably the highlight of the Solo: A Star Wars Story press junket for me, (that and listening to the cast talk about their experiences working on the movie). Many people were patiently standing in line to get into the replica of the Millennium Falcon, where Chewie was waiting, in the cockpit, for a pilot. I mean, I know this isn’t “Chewie”, maybe it’s the kid in me, but I couldn’t help it, I got a very giddy at the thought of pretending to pilot the Millennium Falcon with Chewie. I even asked for a selfie, which he obliged.

Also, on hand were some of the costumes from the movie. During the press conference, Donald Glover joked about the numerous capes he wore throughout the course of the film.

The Disney merchandising reps were at the event to promote the new products from the movie. STATE Bags has a line of Star Wars bags out for Solo. What’s awesome about this line is that, for every bag purchased, a bag is filled up with school supplies and given to a local child in need. Being a teacher, this is amazing to hear. Bags range in price and designs. Some of the Star Wars designs are sold out, so there is a waitlist. I made sure to put my name on a waitlist for a bag. The bags featured at the press event were $95 and were the “kids” design, but really, they’re for anyone. https://www.statebags.com/

Another favorite, the Lando Calrissian T-Shirt. I think it’s safe to say that Donald Glover steals the show, and the hearts of many. I have a Star Wars Monopoly game from the 90’s, I’m thinking about picking the Solo version too. I also loved the Solo pins and the Funko Pops too. There was so much merchandise to love!!!!!

Overall, the day was amazing. I loved seeing and hearing about the actors’ experiences on set. There were many things that I’m interested in buying from the film, especially STATE Bags. It’s always important to help those in need. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for the Star Wars franchise. Be sure to see the film, in theaters on May 25th!